CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
In the Justice System it is now being broadly recognized that positive and sustainable changes to crime and criminal behavior can only be achieved through a process of “crime prevention through social development.”
The concept of crime prevention through social development refers to the ability of a community to build core capacities that challenge the root causes of crime and criminal behavior. Restorative Justice is this kind of social development program.
Restorative Justice facilitates and teaches a process of conflict resolution that requires accountability and repair of harm by the offender, and also provides resolution and closure for the victim.
For young offenders and first-time offenders, there is a process of accountability and learning. This learning can create the personal growth and value-based understanding to achieve more positive decision making in their future. A young person who has learned to make better decisions is less likely to re-offend.
For the victims of crime, Restorative Justice provides a proactive opportunity to participate in a process where the offender is held accountable and resolution for harm done is achieved. From the Restorative Justice process, many victims achieve a sense of closure. Their feelings of victimization and their fear of crime are reduced.